Devon

A stunning coastline. The rugged north coast, the English Riviera on the south coast,
tranquil farmland, rolling green hills, charming little villages,
interesting old towns, lively towns, deep wooded lanes, wild moorland,
trails for walking, cycling, horseriding, zoo's, boating, fishing, the
county has it all. Wherever you look is a shutterbug's delight.

The region of delicious cream teas, of cider and Dartmoor ponies.

This delighful county is the most southwesterly area of Wessex.
It's southern border is the English Channel, it's westerly border –
Cornwall. Somerset is to the northeast and Dorset to the southwest.

The English Riviera is cosmopolitan. Beaches for sunbathing,
paddling, and making sandcastles. Aquatic pleasures of swimming, fishing
and sailing. A lively nightlife to complete an absorbing day.

The county has two moors, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Mystic, wild and
wonderful. Footpaths wind all over, but care should be taken and the
weather noted before embarking on a long walk. Make sure someone knows
where you are going and your estimated time of arrival.

Ancient standing stones are scattered all over the mystic moorland, sentinels to a prehistoric past.

Grimspound, a Bronze Age village in the ancient, mystic landscape of Dartmoor

Grimspound is a Bronze Age village. There are 24 hut
circles surrounded by a low wall set in magnificent moorland. For those
that delight in history there are hillforts, castles, museums and
ancient places.

Ruby country between the moors with Cookworthy Forest and all its footpaths for walking, cycling and horseriding

All over the county - Picnics by a quiet river. Rambles
through lanes and footpaths, discover an old picturesque pub for a tasty
meal and a pint.

No wonder Devon is a tourist's heaven

Devon's Villages, Town's and Cities

Exeter and Plymouth are the two major cities in the county. Exeter is the capital and Plymouth has the largest population.
Exeter
is among the most profitable locations for business in the country and has a high quality lifestyle.

Plymouth is Devon's cultural capital. Both cities make ideal starting points for holidays in the county.

Towns on the English Riviera coast include Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
Torquay
is reckoned to have the best climate in Britain, has fantastic Blue Flag beaches and a haven for sailing enthusiasts.
Paignton
too has beautiful beaches and a wonderful climate.
Brixham
has been a fishing port for centuries, but it too makes a delightful
seaside holiday area. A replica of Francis Drake's “Golden Hind” is
moored there.

Dartmoor has it's share of interesting but smaller towns. All make attractive holiday spots.

Okehampton
is the ideal central location for Dartmoor activities. Walking and
cycle trails either start from there or are not far away. Even if you
are not the active type there is plenty to charm and interest the
visitor.

Ivybridge
not far away from Okehampton has a unique ambience all it's own.
Ancient but embracing the future as it has for centuries. This town too
is a jumping off point for walking and cycling trails. The southern
gateway to Dartmoor.

Lydford
was once one of the most important places in England. Nowadays it just
does not seem possible. It is a peaceful, quiet and attractive moorland
village. Has an interesting gorge that is well worth stopping off for. The Granite Way, a cycling and walking trail starts here.

The delightfully named
Sticklepath
is known for it's brilliant annual Fireshow. Wow!

Belstone,
Sticklepath's sister village, lies just to the south above Belstone
Cleave and the young River Taw. A most charming village - a centre for
touring and walking as well as a very pleasant place to live.

Walking Trails

Tarka Trail Country

Attributed and copyright The Alternative Rice

The Tarka Trail
starts in Sticklepath and follows the sites of “Tarka the Otter”.
Transport to the village is fairly easy, bus and train from Exeter and
bus from Plymouth.

There are many
walking trails
in Devon for all levels of ability from the short two or three mile
stroll to the serious hike. The stunning South West Coastal Path, route
of the old coastguards in their hunt for smugglers, moorland walks,
walks through river valleys and over the hills and those through little
ancient country villages. Take your pick, there is one for you in Devon.

Cycling

Cycling
in Devon is incredibly popular and no wonder. Trails from north to south
and east to west. Cycle through Cookworthy Forest and Ruby country. Or
cycle over the moors past standing stones seemingly as old as time
itself. Try the rugged north or the pleasant south. Wherever you go you
will likely go back again and again!

Want a cute car? Large car? Small car? Whatever you need you will find it here. You will probably find your favourite car hire firm here and Car Rentals do not add a penny to their price for looking all over for you!

Why not travel by Coach

If you do decide the leave the car at home and help the environment too, why not go National Express. They run coaches all over the country. Some pretty good fares too.

Just imagine - sit back and relax, no hassling with the traffic!!!

Do you know that you can book on your mobile phone and they will send the ticket as a text!!!!